Tesi sul tema "Endurance sports training"

The purpose of this review is twofold: to elucidate the utility of resistance training for endurance athletes, and provide the practitioner with evidenced-based periodization strategies for concurrent strength and endurance training in athletic populations. Both low-intensity exercise endurance (liee) and high-intensity exercise endurance (hiee) have been shown to improve as a result of maximal, high force, low velocity (hflv) and explosive, low-force, high-velocity strength training. Hflv strength training is recommended initially to develop a neuromuscular base for endurance athletes with limited strength training experience. A sequenced approach to strength training involving phases of strength-endurance, basic strength, strength, and power will provide further enhancements in liee and hiee for high-level endurance athletes.

Combining strength and endurance training within the same regimen is aptly referred to as “concurrent training”. Research conducted over the previous 3 decades has indicated concurrent training can result in attenuated development of strength, power and hypertrophy when compared to strength training in isolation. Despite extensive research the mechanisms contributing to this so called “interference effect” are yet to be fully elucidated, as is the influence of manipulating acute training programme variables within a concurrent regimen. As such, the purposes of this thesis were to investigate and draw conclusions regarding underlying physiological mechanisms relating to the interference effect. Additionally, this thesis sought to examine the effects of manipulating programme variables, including frequency and sequencing of exercise within concurrent training regimens on strength related adaptation. The findings of this thesis indicate overall training volume and frequency of endurance training within a concurrent intervention influences the presence and magnitude of the inhibition of strength development. Concurrent training volumes of 3 d·wk-1 elicited muted strength development, whereas lower frequencies did not. Whilst interference was not attributable to neuromuscular factors, it was reported that cortisol was only elevated following higher training frequencies, indicating training stress and catabolism may contribute to interference. Additionally, the sequencing of strength and endurance training can influence endocrine and signalling responses associated with strength adaptation, and it appears strength prior to endurance elicits greater increases in growth associated signalling. The findings of this thesis indicate that overall training stress influences the presence and magnitude of interference experienced, and is reflected in catabolic endocrine responses. Additionally, strength prior to endurance training promotes more favourable anabolic signalling than vice versa, which over time may contribute to greater strength type adaptations.

Introduction: A cluster of studies in the sport science literature employ interval training (alternating bouts of recovery and rest periods) interventions for the purpose of identifying optimal training intensities for endurance performance. There has been evidence to support the likelihood that among the most optimal training stimuli are two specific intensities: the velocity associated with the maximal rate of oxygen uptake (v 2max); and the intermediate velocity between v 2max and the velocity associated with the lactate threshold (vΔ50). It has not been shown to date, which of the two interval training intensities (v 2max or vΔ50) enhances performance and laboratory determined performance-related parameters the most, when applied in a complete yearly training cycle of endurance runners. Most studies have been too short to provide definitive answers. Aim of the study: The aim of the study was to compare the interval training intensities v 2max and vΔ50 in a complete yearly training cycle so as to generate evidence as to which of the two impacts performance and performance-related parameters the most, with the goal of providing new knowledge in sport science. Methods: 32 out of the 45 male runners recruited initially completed the whole duration of the study (mean ± SD: body mass 72.0±8.0 kg, body height 175±6 cm, body fat 9.9±3.9 %, 2max 53.6±6.2 ml/kg.min, age 34±12 years). Subjects underwent a 20-week aerobic base of preparatory training (at an intensity equivalent to a rate of perceived exertion (RPE) of 10.4 to 11.0) and anaerobic threshold training (at an intensity equivalent to an RPE of 14.5 to 15.0). No high intensity training was included. At the end of the aerobic phase the runners underwent a pre-test phase for the determination of vΔ50, v 2max, 2max, vLT4 (speed associated with a lactate concentration of 4 mmol/L), ECR (Energy Cost of Running) and Tmax (maximum time at v 2max) in the laboratory and 1500-m and 5000-m time trial (TT) times on the track. The subjects were randomly assigned into one of two groups before entering the 16-week interval training intervention phase. The only difference between the two groups was the intensity of the interval training. Group A (n = 15) was trained at a heart rate associated with vΔ50 (mean RPE 16.8 to 17.0) and Group B (n = 17) was trained at a heart rate associated with v 2max (mean RPE 18.6 to 18.7). At the end of the interval training phase the subjects underwent the post-test phase involving the same tests as during pre-testing. A 2X2 (time VS. interval training intensity) mixed model analysis of variance was used to test for significant differences between and within groups and the level of significance was set at p< 0.05. Results: Group A improved significantly (mean difference and Confidence Interval (CI)) in 1500-m TT (10.1 s, CI 5.6 to 14.7 s), in 5000-m TT (22.9 s, CI 9.6 to 36.3 s), in vΔ50 (-0.4 km/h, CI -0.8 to -0.1 km/h), in Tmax (-71 s, CI -113 to -28 s) and vLT4 (-0.5 km/h, CI -0.8 to -0.1 km/h). Group B improved significantly (mean difference and CI) in 1500-m TT (11.7 s, CI 7.5 to 15.9 s), in 5000-m TT (29.0 s, CI 16.5 to 41.5 s), in vΔ50 (-0.4 km/h, CI -0.7 to -0.1 km/h), in v 2max (-0.4 km/h, -0.7 to -0.01 km/h) in Tmax (-78 s, CI -114 to -42 s) and in ECR (0.013 ml/m/kg, CI 0.005 to 0.021 ml/m/kg). Regression analyses showed that v 2max and vΔ50, individually, accounted for the highest degree of variance in 1500-m TT times (77% and 69%, respectively) and 5000-m TT times (79% and 78%, respectively). During multiple regression analyses v 2max was likely to be the most important predictor in the regression models predicting 1500-m TT times and vΔ50 was the most important predictor in the regression models predicting 5000-m TT times. Conclusions: The interval training intensities v 2max and vΔ50 were significant in leading to endurance performance improvement as well as to improvement in some associated physiological parameters. The novel findings were that, a) it was demonstrated that vΔ50 was significant in inducing improvements in the 1500-m TT, b) that both v 2max and vΔ50 may be the most important predictors of 1500-m and 5000-m performance in regression analyses and that, c) v 2max and vΔ50 may, with a high degree of probability, be the most important predictor of 1500-m and 5000-m times, respectively, during multiple regression analyses. The evidence seems to weigh towards v 2max to be a slightly more optimal training stimulus than vΔ50, which also constitutes an important training intensity. Considering injury potential, repetitive stress on the athletes and optimal training it may be that a combination may be sensible.

The aims of the present study were to examine the effects of endurance training on multiple sprint cycling performance and to evaluate the influence of recovery duration on the magnitude of those effects. Twenty-one physically active male university students were randomly assigned to either an experimental (n = 12) or a control (n = 9) group. The experimental group cycled for 20 minutes each day, 3 times per week, for 6 weeks at 70% of the power output required to elicit maximal oxygen uptake (JOURNAL/jscr/04.02/00124278-200705000-00055/ENTITY_OV0312/v/2017-07-20T235331Z/r/image-pngO2max). Multiple sprint performance was assessed using 2 maximal (20 X 5 seconds) sprint cycling tests with contrasting recovery periods (10 or 30 seconds). All tests were conducted on a friction-braked cycle ergometer. Relative to controls, training resulted in a 0.2 L·min-1 increase in mean JOURNAL/jscr/04.02/00124278-200705000-00055/ENTITY_OV0312/v/2017-07-20T235331Z/r/image-pngO2max (95% likely range: −0.04 to 0.44 L·min-1). Changes in anaerobic capacity (determined by maximal accumulated oxygen deficit) over the same period were trivial (p = 0.96). After training, the experimental group showed significant improvements (∼40 W), relative to controls, in multiple sprint measures of peak and mean power output. In contrast, training-induced reductions in fatigue were trivial (p = 0.63), and there were no significant between-protocol differences in the magnitude of any effects. In summary, 6 weeks of endurance training resulted in substantial improvements in multiple sprint cycling performance, the magnitude of the improvements being largely unaffected by the duration of the intervening recovery periods. The aims of the present study were to examine the effects of endurance training on multiple sprint cycling performance and to evaluate the influence of recovery duration on the magnitude of those effects. Twenty-one physically active male university students were randomly assigned to either an experimental (n = 12) or a control (n = 9) group. The experimental group cycled for 20 minutes each day, 3 times per week, for 6 weeks at 70% of the power output required to elicit maximal oxygen uptake (JOURNAL/jscr/04.02/00124278-200705000-00055/ENTITY_OV0312/v/2017-07-20T235331Z/r/image-pngO2max). Multiple sprint performance was assessed using 2 maximal (20 X 5 seconds) sprint cycling tests with contrasting recovery periods (10 or 30 seconds). All tests were conducted on a friction-braked cycle ergometer. Relative to controls, training resulted in a 0.2 L·min-1 increase in mean JOURNAL/jscr/04.02/00124278-200705000-00055/ENTITY_OV0312/v/2017-07-20T235331Z/r/image-pngO2max (95% likely range: −0.04 to 0.44 L·min-1). Changes in anaerobic capacity (determined by maximal accumulated oxygen deficit) over the same period were trivial (p = 0.96). After training, the experimental group showed significant improvements (∼40 W), relative to controls, in multiple sprint measures of peak and mean power output. In contrast, training-induced reductions in fatigue were trivial (p = 0.63), and there were no significant between-protocol differences in the magnitude of any effects. In summary, 6 weeks of endurance training resulted in substantial improvements in multiple sprint cycling performance, the magnitude of the improvements being largely unaffected by the duration of the intervening recovery periods.

Endurance can be defined as the ability to maintain or to repeat a given force or power output. The sport performance-endurance relationship is a multi-factorial concept. However, evidence indicates that maximum strength is a major component. Conceptually, endurance is a continuum. The literature indicates that (a) maximum strength is moderately to strongly related to endurance capabilities and associated factors, a relationship that is likely stronger for high intensity exercise endurance (HIEE) activities than for low intensity exercise endurance (LIEE); (b) strength training can increase both HIEE and LIEE, the effect being greater for HIEE; (c) the volume of strength training plays a role in endurance adaptation; and (d) mechanical specificity and training program variables also play a role in the degree of adaptation..

This study examined the effects of two distinct phases of endurance training (summer and in-season training) in previously well-trained male and female high school cross-country runners. Eleven males and 11 females from the same high school training program were recruited for the three testing sessions: post-track season (June), postsummer training (mid-August), and post-cross-country season (early-November). However, due to injury and other circumstances, only 10 males and 4 females completed all testing sessions. Thus, baseline characteristics were analyzed for both genders; however, longitudinal analysis was only conducted using the males. Submaximal measurements included running economy (RE), blood lactate concentration ([BLa]), and heart rate (HR) at three running speeds in females (6, 7, and 8 mph), and males (7, 8, and 9 mph). Maximal measurements of oxygen uptake (VO2max) and HR, neuromuscular characteristics of isokinetic knee extension strength and vertical jump height, and body composition were also measured. Baseline results showed that the males possessed a higher VO2max, greater neuromuscular characteristics, and lower submaximal [BLa] and HR values than the females. Longitudinal analysis of the males showed that there was an increased VO2max, decreased maximal HR, and decreased neuromuscular strength following summer training. In-season training precipitated further increases in VO2max, an increase in maximal and submaximal HR, and increased neuromuscular characteristics. RE and [BLa] did not significantly change (p<_ 0.05) throughout the course of the study. Likely, it is the subtle changes in these variables in previously welltrained runners which account for the slower performance times at the beginning of the cross-country season and the improvements thereafter.
School of Physical Education

The aims of this thesis were to develop a time efficient field test of the distance-time relationship, assess its validity, reliability and sensitivity and utilise the test to monitor and prescribe endurance training in distance runners. Laboratory-based tests of the distance-time relationship often use lengthy recovery periods between trials, resulting in multiple visits and limiting their practical application. A field-based test, completed in a single visit, could improve the utility of the distance-time relationship. A novel single visit field test comprising of 3 constant-distance trials, separated by a 30-minute recovery, was designed. This test estimates the highest sustainable rate of aerobic metabolism, or critical speed (CS), and the modelled maximum distance performed above CS (D’). When compared to a traditional multi-visit laboratory protocol, field test CS was highly correlated (r=0.89, P0.05) and high typical error (334-1709 s). Non-linear modelling of recovery did not improve the accuracy. A high variability in D’ may in part explain the low predictive ability of the models. The conclusion from this thesis is that the single visit field test is a valid, reliable and sensitive test for CS, which provides a favourable alternative to multi-visit laboratory-based testing.

The objective of this dissertation was to evaluate the changes in preparedness over the course of training for a marathon in two well-trained runners. The athletes completed periodized strength training or a periodized concurrent training. This dissertation consisted of two separate investigations: Study 1 – The purpose of this study was to monitor changes in force production ability and running performance in one sub-elite marathon runner before, during, and after undertaking a short-term block periodized strength training program. The athlete ceased strength training during the off-seasons and resumed testing after 10. The athlete experienced likely true, meaningful changes in force production characteristics during the taper after the training program. Improvements in force production characteristics coincided with improvements in running economy. Both force production characteristics and running economy reversed after the withdraw from strength training. However, both measures remained improved from initial baseline. The improvement in running economy and force production likely coincided with a cardiovascular de-training period, due to a reduction in aerobic training during the off-season. Therefore, strength training may have independent effects on running economy and running performance. These results indicate that endurance runners may better optimize performance by improving force production characteristics via periodized strength training program, and should avoid prolonged periods without strength training. Study 2 – The purpose of this study was to monitor the concurrent and divergent changes in athlete preparedness and performance over a competitive training cycle in two marathon athletes. One athlete added a block periodized strength training program to a non-periodized endurance training program (NBP Athlete). The other athlete (BP Athlete) completed an integrated, concurrent block periodized program using HIT over-reach endurance training. Both athlete displayed improvements in running performance and running economy over the duration of the monitoring program. The BP Athlete displayed earlier and greater magnitudes of performance improvements. These results indicate that strength training can enhance running economy in marathon athletes, performance may be better optimized through periodized integration of strength and endurance training, and the use of HIT over-reach blocks may improve marathon relevant fitness characteristic within the ecologically valid context of an athlete’s training cycle.

Due to the broad spectrum of physical characteristics necessary for success in field sports, numerous training modalities have been used develop physical preparedness. Sports like rugby, basketball, lacrosse, and others require athletes to be not only strong and powerful but also aerobically fit and able to recover from high-intensity intermittent exercise. This provides coaches and sport scientists with a complex range of variables to consider when developing training programs. This can often lead to confusion and the misuse of training modalities, particularly in the development of aerobic and anaerobic conditioning. This review outlines the benefits and general adaptations to 3 commonly used and effective conditioning methods: high-intensity interval training, repeated-sprint training, and small-sided games. The goals and outcomes of these training methods are discussed, and practical implementations strategies for coaches and sport scientists are provided.

Elite athletes of today use specialized, scientific training methods and the increasing role of science in sports is undeniable. Scientific methods and equipment has even found its way into the practice of everyday exercisers, a testament to the impact of sport science. From the experiential, personal training regimes of the first half of the 20th century to the scientific training theories of the 1970s, the ideas about training and the athletic body shifted. The rationalization process started in endurance sports in the 1940s. It was part of a struggle between two models of training; natural training and rational training. Physiologists wanted to rid training of individual and local variations and create a universal model of rational, scientific training. The rationalization of training and training landscapes is here understood as an aspect of sportification, a theory commonly used to describe similar developments in sports where increasing regimentation, specialization and rationalization are among the main criteria. This dissertation adds the concept of technologies of sportification to explain the role that micro-technologies and practices (such as training logs, training camps and scientific tests) have in the scientization of training. This thesis thus sets out to analyze the role that science has played in training during the 20th century. It is a history about the rationalization of training, but also about larger issues regarding the role of personal, experiential knowledge and scientific knowledge. The main conclusions are that the process of scientization never managed to rid training of components from natural, experiential training, and that the effort by Swedish physiologists to introduce rational training was part of the larger rationalization movement at the time. In the end, training knowledge was a co-production between practitioners and theoreticians, skiers and scientists.

QC 20161114

Rationell träning: vetenskapliggörandet äv träning för längdskidåkning

Exercise intensity and its distribution is probably the most important and most heavily debated variable of endurance training. Training induces adaptation but also induces stress responses. Controlling the training-intensity distribution may provide a mechanism for balancing these two effects. It has been reported that elite endurance athletes train with a high volume and load, relative to the sport. These athletes spend the vast majority (>80%) of training time at relatively low intensities (lower than the lactate threshold, zone one), and therefore <20% of training time above the lactate threshold (zones two and three). Experimental studies support the beneficial effects of a high training volume in zone one, and show detrimental effects of replacing zone one training with training in zone two. This is likely due to enhanced recovery from training in zone one compared with training in zone two. The acute recovery following training sessions in zones two and three has been reported to not be different, but the recovery following training in zone one has been reported to be faster. Improvements in physiological adaptation and endurance performance have been reported to be greater following training programmes with higher exercise intensities. Therefore, it has been suggested that a polarised training model, which includes ~80% of training in zone one with ~20% of training in zone three is more beneficial than a threshold training model, with the majority of training in zone two. However, research into an optimal training-intensity distribution is limited. Therefore, the aims of this thesis were to assess the effectiveness of training-intensity distribution on the improvements in physiological adaptation, endurance performance and assess if manipulating training-intensity distribution had an effect on immune function. Study one revealed that the lactate threshold, the lactate turnpoint and maximal performance measures in swimming, cycling and running, assessed using the methods outlined in the study, are reproducible in trained endurance athletes. These tests can therefore be used by trained endurance athletes as part of a physiological testing programme to assess not only endurance performance, but also to demarcate training intensity zones for exercise intensity prescription and monitor moderate to large adaptations to training. Practitioners should take care when deciding on the duration between tests to test for adaptations from training, as adaptations need to be greater than these detected test-retest variations to be considered physiologically meaningful. To the best of the author’s knowledge, study two was the first study to have assessed training-intensity distribution in a group of multisport athletes. Training was monitored over a 6-month period, and testing took place every two months to assess the effect of the training on physiological adaptation. Although speculative due to the number of variables involved, the results suggest that a greater proportion of training time spent in zone one and a lower proportion of training time spent in zone two is beneficial to physiological adaptation. However, given the number of variables associated with assessing the training-intensity distribution in multisport athletes, it is not easy to draw conclusions as to the effectiveness of the training in the different disciplines on the key measures of adaptation in the different disciplines. Study two highlighted the need for future research to focus on experimental manipulation of training-intensity distribution and thus improve our understanding of its impact on the training-induced adaptations in endurance athletes. Study three manipulated the training-intensity distribution in trained endurance athletes in just one discipline, to reduce the number of variables involved. A polarised training model was compared to a threshold training model on the effectiveness to improve physiological adaptation and endurance performance. Results revealed that a polarised training model is recommended for trained cyclists wishing to maximally improve performance and physiological adaptation over a short-term (six week) training period. The first part of study four assessed the effect of a polarised and a threshold training model on immune function markers in trained cyclists. Both endurance training programmes had similar volume, and were sufficient to induce improvements in performance and physiological adaptation. However, despite likely differences in recovery, both training programmes had no effect on the proportion of low or high differentiated or senescent CD8+ or CD4+ T-cells in blood. Therefore, training adaptation was achieved at no cost to this particular aspect of immune function. From these results and evidence from previous studies, it seems likely that athletes need to be overreached to induce any change in immune function following a period of intensified training. The second part of study four assessed the impact of an ironman triathlon race on Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) and Varicella-Zoster virus (VZV) antibody titres and the frequency of low and high differentiated and senescent blood T-cells in trained endurance athletes. Previous work has revealed that an ironman triathlon race increases the proportion of senescent CD4+ T cells and decreases the proportion of naive CD4+ T cells, and thus induces changes the immune space which could leave an individual at a greater risk of infection. This study however, did not find any changes in the proportions of these T cell subsets following an ironman triathlon race. The mean results of this study suggest that there is no relationship between EBV and VZV-specific antibody concentrations and the proportion of senescent, low and highly differientiated T cells. However, on analysis of individual subject data, it seems possible that subjects with a high antibody titre for EBV or VZV 3 wks before a competition might be more at risk of infection post race. A greater subject number would be needed in order to make a more conclusive statement about this relationship. The results of this thesis suggest that future research is required in the area of training-intensity distribution. Firstly, our understanding of the physiological mechanisms responsible for the effectiveness of a polarised training model in trained endurance athletes is limited, and thus studies should attempt to address this issue. Our current knowledge on the mechanisms underlying a blunted T cell response following strenous exercise is also limited. A change in the immune space to a greater proportion of senescent T cells and a lower proportion of naive T cells might contribute to this blunted response. In the current thesis however, the proportions of these T cell markers were unchanged following the training/racing interventions. It is possible that with a higher training load, there could be changes in these markers, and thus this is an exciting area that could have potential implications on athlete health. Finally, testing for antibody titres in endurance athletes is possibly an avenue to detect individuals at the greatest risk of infection if subjected to a large physical and/or mental stress. This could have implications on maintaining athlete health and therefore, allowing athletes to train consistently.

The recent American college of Sports Medicine Position Stand concerning the quantity and quality of exercise for developing cardiovascular fitness (1) suggests a need for more information concerning the rate of improvement in aerobic power as a function of age. Therefore, the purpose of this retrospective study was to assess whether the change in maximal oxygen uptake (AVO2max) following endurance training varies as a function of age. Subjects were healthy men (N=277) and women (N=161), ranging in age from 20-72 years, who completed an endurance training program (= 3-5 months) between 1972 and 1987. The standard training stimulus consisted of individualized aerobic exercise (walking, walk-jog, or jogging) at about 75-85% maximal heart rate reserve for = 30-60 minutes, 3-4 sessions per week. A description of the %OVO2max expressed in relative and absolute terms, ± SEE are presented below.Variable20-29 yrs30-39 yrs40-49 yrs50-59 yrs60-69 yrsM 9/6AV02max ml•kg-1-min-'17.1 ± 13.220.0 ± 11.817.3 ± 13.319.5 ± 13.719.8 ± 9.1M%%OV02maxLmin-112.6 ± 10.616.0 ± 11.514.7 ± 11.616.6 ± 15.116.2 ± 9.8F °/oA VO2max mlkg''•min-'16.3 ± 9.022.5 ± 13.119.0 ± 10.917.6 ± 13.415.4 ± 6.8F%OV02maxL.min-'15.2±12.321.7±12.716.6±11.515.7±13.411.9±9.8N=Men women)20(17)87(54)112(51)46(30)12(9)A stepwise multiple regression analysis was used to assess the relationship between age and %OVO2max in both relative and absolute units, after adjusting for other parameters known to effect the training response. After adjusting for pre-training VO2max.(ml-kg-1-min-1) there was a significant negative correlation between OVO2max and age in both men (r = -0.31, p < 0.01) and women(r = -0.37, p < 0.01). When expressed as %OVO2max (L•min-1), the resultsrevealed the same age trend as that observed for the relative unit. Since the AVO2max after =3-5 months of training decreased as a function of age, this study supported the contention that training adaptations may be attenuated with increased age.
School of Physical Education

Effects of short-term free-weight and semiblock periodization resistance training on metabolic syndrome. J Strength Cond Res 30(10): 2682–2696, 2016—The effects of short-term resistance training on performance and health variables associated with prolonged sedentary lifestyle and metabolic syndrome (MS) were investigated. Resistance training may alter a number of health-related, physiological, and performance variables. As a result, resistance training can be used as a valuable tool in ameliorating the effects of a sedentary lifestyle including those associated with MS. Nineteen previously sedentary subjects (10 with MS and 9 with nonmetabolic syndrome [NMS]) underwent 8 weeks of supervised resistance training. Maximum strength was measured using an isometric midthigh pull and resulting force-time curve. Vertical jump height (JH) and power were measured using a force plate. The muscle cross-sectional area (CSA) and type were examined using muscle biopsy and standard analysis techniques. Aerobic power was measured on a cycle ergometer using a ParvoMedics 2400 Metabolic system. Endurance was measured as time to exhaustion on a cycle ergometer. After training, maximum isometric strength, JH, jump power, and V[Combining Dot Above]O2peak increased by approximately 10% (or more) in both the metabolic and NMS groups (both male and female subjects). Over 8 weeks of training, body mass did not change statistically, but percent body fat decreased in subjects with the MS and in women, and lean body mass increased in all groups (p ≤ 0.05). Few alterations were noted in the fiber type. Men had larger CSAs compared those of with women, and there was a fiber-specific trend toward hypertrophy over time. In summary, 8 weeks of semiblock free-weight resistance training improved several performance variables and some cardiovascular factors associated with MS.

Suboptimal preparation for the Ironman triathlon can have detrimental effects on mental and physical condition. The purpose of this longitudinal investigation was to examine the relationship between a number of performance changes and fatigue markers during training for an Ironman as well as immediately after the event, in an attempt to better understand the effects of ultraendurance training. Eighteen athletes training for the Ironman; South Africa, 2009 were recruited for the study. Over the 6 month data collection period body mass, training load (TRIMP and Session x RPE methods), physiological responses (waking heart rate, postural dizziness, sleep ratings), changes in psychological state (profile of mood states - POMS), reported immunological responses (symptoms of illness), biochemical changes (salivary cortisol and alpha amylase) and performance (8 km submaximal running time trial (TT) and race day performance) were measured. These responses were compared to a control sample (n=15). Results show a significant increase (p<0.05) in training load (3899.4 ± 2517.8) four weeks prior to the event. Fatigue scores significantly increased (p<0.05) concurrently with this significant increase (p<0.05) in training. TT performance did not significantly (p<0.05) alter during the time course of training. It was however strongly correlated to training load (R2=0.85) and modestly related to race performance (R2=0.65). The signs and symptoms of upper respiratory tract infections (URTI) were prevalent during the training period, decreasing during the taper and race period. Large standard deviations were found within the majority of the responses. During the final two weeks of preparation, tension scores were significantly increased (p<0.05) while training load significantly decreased (p<0.05) during the final week of preparation. Cortisol increased significantly (p<0.05) immediately post race (0.507±0.15